How to Play Double Solitaire
Double Solitaire is a fast, friendly race version of Klondike you can play with a friend. For more guides like this, visit Playmore — then set aside a quiet table and a pair of decks.
Quick facts
| Game | Family | Typical players | Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Solitaire | International competitive patience | 2 (up to 6–7) | One 52-card French-suited deck per player |
What you are trying to do
Your main aim is to be the first player to move the cards from your personal pack (stock and tableau) onto the shared foundations. Foundations are shared by all players and are usually built up by suit from Ace toward King. You race an opponent to place as many cards as you can on those foundations.
What you need and how to set up
Each player uses a normal 52-card deck (no special cards). You need a clear central space for the shared foundations and room in front of each player for a Klondike-style layout: a tableau of piles, a face-down stock, and a waste or discard pile. A common tableau uses seven piles per player, but layouts vary.
Because versions differ, groups should check the linked official or regional rules for the exact version.
How to play
- Deal. Each player arranges their Klondike-style tableau (commonly seven piles with only the top card face-up), keeps a face-down stock, and a waste pile for drawn cards.
- Decide play order. Some groups play turns; others play simultaneously. Agree before you start.
- Make moves. Players move face-up cards from their tableau or waste to the shared foundations whenever legal. Foundations are usually built by suit from Ace upward.
- Build your tableau. You may move face-up cards or sequences between your own tableau piles following Klondike-style rules (typically descending rank, usually alternating colors). Only exposed face-up cards can be moved unless your house rule allows otherwise.
- Draw from the stock. When you can’t move, draw from your stock to your waste. The draw method (one card, three cards, redeals allowed) is version-dependent, so agree on it beforehand.
- Use empty piles. When a tableau pile becomes empty, a rule determines what can fill it (often a King or a sequence starting with a King). Agree the rule before playing.
- Continue to play. Keep moving cards to the shared foundations and between your own piles until someone finishes or no more legal plays exist.
How a round or game ends
A round usually ends when a player has played all their cards onto the shared foundations or when no player can make further legal moves. Some groups score by counting cards on the foundations or by awarding points for finishing first; scoring systems and match lengths vary by version.
Because scoring and exact end conditions vary, groups should check the linked official or regional rules for the exact version.
Beginner tips
- Keep your foundations visible so both players can see available moves.
- Free up face-down cards in your tableau early. The more face-up options you have, the more you can play to the foundations.
- Watch your opponent’s chances. If they can play to a foundation, don’t block that suit by burying needed cards in your own piles.
- Agree draw and redeal rules before starting. Those small differences change strategy a lot.
- Play a practice round with turns and then one simultaneous round to see which style you prefer.
FAQ
Can we play at the same time?
Yes. Many groups play simultaneously for a faster game, but some prefer strict turns to avoid disputes. Agree the method before you deal.
What if both players want to place the same card on a foundation?
Whoever places the card first gets it. To prevent arguments, work with a clear rule: first touch, or only allow moves on your turn.
Do I need special decks or extra cards?
No. Use one standard 52-card deck per player. No special purchase is required.